Men on a mission – Wareham shedders record song!
Wareham men’s shed new fundraiser to build new workshop
A drive to raise £200,000 has been launched by Wareham’s Men’s Shed as it tries to secure its future by having its own community workshop.
The Shedders have been granted planning permission by Dorset Council to erect a 20m x 10m building in the grounds of Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club off Bestwall Road, Wareham.
If they can raise enough money for the build, it will mean an end to the need to rent premises, which runs the risk of tenancy agreements being terminated. And it will ensure they can maintain the Shed’s twin aims of providing a haven for lonely, disadvantaged or retired men while making a huge variety of items in wood for the wider community.
Chairman Harold Forbes said: “The cost for a charity like ours is daunting. But it will be more than worth it if we can carry on serving Wareham and district as it has come to expect while continuing to provide a meeting place for men that has been shown to improve mental health and wellbeing.
“We would love to build the workshop ourselves and have many of the skills and tools needed. But the price of materials has skyrocketed and we also have to consider things we cannot do such as footings and core plumbing, so we’ll have to pay for a job lot.
“Given our reputation in the area, we are quietly hoping that a benefactor or sponsor will step forward. But if that doesn’t happen we will be pursuing charitable grants and launching a crowdfunding appeal.”
In 2024 the Shedders successfully fought off an eviction attempt by Care Dorset, which housed them at the Purbeck Connect centre in Sandford Lane, Wareham. They were saved by a public outcry. But fearing the writing was on the wall, they moved out a year later and are now in temporary accommodation at Lenctenbury Farm outside the town.
Mr Forbes, who was recently honoured with a Dorset High Sheriff’s Award for outstanding service to the community, said: “We also need a new home – and more room – as our membership is steadily increasing, not least because we are in the process of forming a new women’s section. Let’s hope we can make it all happen.”
The Shed’s scheme has the support of Wareham Town Council. And Dorset’s planning officer, referring to the overwhelming public backing for the application, stated: “The comments confirm that the proposals would result in community benefits and support for members attending the facility.”
The shedder’s song!
The Shedders have recorded their own song, Here For You, to showcase the group. You can find it at youtu.be/TPhdPDAlQRE
If you can help, contact warehamshed@gmail.com.
